On Wednesday morning, the University Council issued an unsolicited advice to the Executive Board about a so-called homebase for P-NUT. Even though the PhD and EngD network already has free access to spaces on campus to organise activities, the University Council would like to see it go a step further.
Such a homebase should strengthen the connection, offer the junior researchers a place where they can find emotional support and practical support and where they can network. 'A fixed location to meet encourages interdisciplinary interactions, strengthens professional relationships and improves the overall research culture within the UT', is the idea of the University Council.
Rector Tom Veldkamp said he understood the request, but said he first wanted to talk to P-NUT itself. 'There are already numerous homebases at the UT, often at department level. I would like to know how P-NUT envisions it, since many PhD students feel at home within their own research group.'
Moreover, the rector pointed out the costs. 'People may think that there is a lot of space available on campus, but that is not the case. If you want to reserve a specific space for a specific purpose, that is not cheap. But I am going to talk to P-NUT and take the next steps. We'll see where it goes.'
